Vigorous Attack On Drugs Vital

May 13, 1989

Florida`s reputation for being tough on criminals is based largely on highly publicized executions of murderers. But the reputation is false. In fact, except for murderers and rapists, Florida`s criminals tend to be punished more lightly than similar criminals in other states.

Although simple-minded analyses abound, the causes and solutions for this lack of toughness are complex. Construction of more prisons, the most popular proposal, no doubt is necessary but won`t provide a long-range solution. For that, the state will have to build up its educational system, strengthen job opportunities, create effective anti-drug education and treatment programs, and offer comprehensive self-help for the poor.

Nationwide, two-thirds of convicted felons go to prison. In Florida less than half do. Nationwide, prison sentences average nearly seven years; in Florida, less than 4 1/2 years. Nationwide, a typical convict serves 41 percent of his sentence; in Florida, 34 percent -- and steadily falling. Florida`s typical sentence for robbery, six years, is barely half the national average. And so it goes, nearly across the board.

Why the lack of toughness? Some blame Florida`s sentencing guidelines, adopted in 1983 and meant to assure statewide uniformity in sentencing for similar crimes. Some blame the concurrent abolition of parole and the introduction of ``gain time,`` which grants time off supposedly for good behavior.

Some point to the state`s rapid growth, and the past failure to build enough prisons and otherwise finance the justice system`s needs. Some criticize prosecutors for making plea bargains too favorable to the accused.

Some cite the wave of drug-related crime accompanying the influx of crack cocaine, and the resulting strain on the justice system. Some, finally, contend a lawless attitude is permeating the state, as well as the nation.

Actually, all of those factors are partly to blame, and they work together -- in a negative sense -- to produce unconscionably short sentences for felons.

No doubt the construction of more prisons, an important part of Gov. Bob Martinez`s agenda, would help. More prison beds means less pressure to release prisoners early.

That would occur as long as the Legislature and Martinez agree to keep up or expand the pace of prison construction -- 9,000 new prison beds in the past two years and 8,800 to 9,500 for the coming year. It would occur, that is, unless the drug-related crime wave continues to inundate the state.

Without a full-fledged drug program, in place and working, Florida can`t expect to end the prison crisis. Tough law enforcement for drug-related crimes must be combined with dogged, imaginative, long-term education about drugs and treatment of addicts.

None of this is simple, nor will it be cheap. But there is no other rational choice for this fast-growing state bedeviled by drug-related crimes and overcrowded prisons.